If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Rotary Hybrid?

Do you think Mazda should wed the rotary engine to hybrid technology? The rotary engine is very powerful and has very few moving parts. Hybrid technology mated to a rotary would solve two of the rotary's problems: high emissions and low gasoline mileage. The smaller footprint of the rotary could free space for the interior.

Rotary Hybrid?

Here's something a bit more recent: Nov 7 2005: "In November, Mazda’s first hybrid powertrain will be installed in its Tribute sport utility vehicle; it is to go into use at 25 American fire departments, largely in California. Sales to the general public are expected in 2008." - http://www.thedailyjournalonline.com...ticleId=203305

Rotary Hybrid?

Currently, Ford has no plans to combine a rotary engine with its hybrid powertrains. Remember, Mazda is a Ford-owned Japanese automaker.

The Tribute is essentially a Mazda-ized Escape.

Other Ford hybrids include the Ford Maverick/Mercury Mariner, and coming soon will be the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln Zephyr hybrids.

However, Mazda's innovative rotaries which are known for their huge amounts of power made from such low displacement engines (and maybe the fuel efficiency) could be a match made in heaven when combined with an electric motor in an RX-8.

Oooh... Now that I mentioned it, I think this would be the sexiest looking hybrid if such a project does get the greenlight!